The key to winning elections is mobilizing the base with left-wing spending programs, according to progressives. No, the objective is to flip swing voters, says the center-left. Who is correct?
Both, and neither; it depends on the type of election. In presidential elections, with their relatively high turnout, swing voters are the key. In midterm elections, with a lower turnout, mobilizing the base is more important.
If you’re a Democrat, cheer up–at least your party is having this debate, and takes both sides seriously. The GOP has put all of its chips on base mobilization. That will help in 2022, but not in 2024.